Although
it is not necessary to have a valid visa in order to remain lawfully
in the U.S., nonimmigrants who are planning on traveling and wish
to re-enter the U.S. must have an unexpired visa. Always be sure
to check the number of entries you are allowed on your visa, even
if the visa is not expired. If you are traveling outside the U.S.
and the visa in your passport has expired or if you have exceeded
the number of entries permitted on your visa, you must visit the
U.S.
consulate in the country you will be visiting and
apply for a new visa.
Travel
to Canada, Mexico or adjacent Caribbean Islands
If
you are traveling to Mexico, Canada or one of the adjacent
islands, you do not need a valid visa in order to re-enter
the United States as long as you return within 30 days and are
carrying a valid I-20/DS-2019 which has been properly endorsed
by a Designated School Official or an unexpired H-1 approval notice
. This process is called "automatic visa revalidation".
In order to qualify for this benefit you must:
